What counts as proof of service?

Valid proof of service must contain:

• Server information: Name and address of the person who served the documents
• Service details: Date, time, and location of service
• Method of service: Personal service, mail, electronic service, or substituted service
• Recipient information: Name and address of person served
• Document list: Specific documents that were served
• Declaration under penalty of perjury: Server's signature affirming truthfulness

The server must be:

• At least 18 years old
• Not a party to the case
• Willing to sign a declaration under penalty of perjury

In some cases, professional process servers or law enforcement may serve documents, providing additional authentication.

Different jurisdictions use specific forms:

• California: Form FL-335 (Proof of Service by Mail) or FL-330 (Proof of Personal Service)
• New York: Affidavit of Service
• Texas: Certificate of Service or Return of Service
• Federal Courts: Certificate of Service under FRCP Rule 5

Each service method has different proof requirements:

• Personal Service: Declaration must state documents were hand-delivered to the party
• Service by Mail: Must include date of mailing and address used
• Electronic Service: Must show method (email, court e-filing system) and confirmation
• Substituted Service: Must document attempts at personal service and alternative method used

California: Requires proof of service for all documents filed after the initial petition. Electronic service through court systems generates automatic proof of service records.

New York: Requires notarized affidavits of service for certain documents. Personal service affidavits must be filed within prescribed time limits.

Texas: Allows informal service acknowledgments in some family law cases but requires formal certificates for contested matters.

Florida: Mandates specific formatting for proof of service including certificate of service language on filed documents.